§ Mr. EVELYN CECILasked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the case of the Orchard Colliery, a small pit near Sheffield, where those engaged were anxious to continue their employment in spite of the coal strike, but have been forced to desist since the 7th inst. by the peaceful persuasion of a deputation of miners from Derbyshire who outnumbered them; and whether His Majesty's Government will take steps to ensure that in this and all such cases where those willing to work are molested they shall be adequately protected from interference?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. McKenna)The Prime Minister has asked me to reply. I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave yesterday to the Noble Lord the Member for West Perthshire.
§ Mr. E. CECILWill the right hon. Gentleman answer the last portion of my question, which was not asked yesterday—namely, what is the policy of His Majesty's Government generally in the matter?
§ Mr. McKENNAIt was answered yesterday that adequate protection was given; and, further, a hypothetical question was put to me, and that hypothetical question is repeated now by the hon. Gentleman. I cannot answer hypothetical questions.
§ Mr. E. CECILIn fact, if men are willing to work and are interfered with, will His Majesty's Government prevent the continuation of that interference?
§ Mr. McKENNAYes. I have stated that order will be maintained in every district, but the responsiblity primarily rests with the local authority. Order is being maintained by the local authority in the district in question.
Mr. POINTERIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the proprietor of the colliery in question states that he was not molested, and that he voluntarily closed his pit in order to come into line with other small collieries in the district; is the right hon. Gentleman further aware that only seven men are employed at the colliery, and that no molestation has been threatened?
§ Mr. McKENNAMy information does not quite agree with that of the hon. Member. As a matter of fact, order is being maintained in this district by the local authority.